Mrs. Carlton J. Cook Lt. Col. Carlton J. Cook
26 Front St. Ord. Sec., Hq.M.B.S.
Binghamton, New York A.P.O. 600, N.Y.C.
Aug. 20, 1943. Letter # 6.
My darling Jeannette,
I am well and safe as ever, dearest, after my trip. I was in Algiers for a while on business. I flew both ways; went up the 12th and returned the 19th, so I had quite a sojourn there. I accomplished what I had set out to get straightened up and have things all arranged just as I wanted them, for which I am very pleased. The British were most cooperative as was everyone else there.
When I returned, I found four letters awaiting me from you- # 17 for July and #2, 3, 4 for August. I also had several letters from the folks through August 7th, in feet all their letters now through that date, and one from Catherine and Dan and from the McDowell’s. Also some papers, Life’s and a Kiplinger letter. I will answer a couple of your letters first now.
# 17, July 29th. I am glad to hear that Jack and Jim have done so well working this past summer. Tell them I am very proud of them and also that they are really doing their part for this war. I am sorry that you couldn’t get your second week’s vacation. Perhaps later in the fall you can take it. Have you obtained anyone else in the office in place of Miss Trotter? Don’t work too hard that you get sick. It isn’t worth it.
# 2, Aug. 3rd. You surely rec’d the regular airmail letter is good time. It must have been one of the few to make a plane. Glad you got the coins and inside pictures all right. You asked what was behind me in the picture of my bed; it is the headboard with the mosquito netting hung over the back. I use that now as we have some mosquitoes here, and there are no screens on the windows. I wish you could be with me here, but there is no chance of that until after the war. The only civilians here are a few men on lease-lend and civilian supplies from the states. Then of course there are newspaper correspondents and Red Cross workers.
By the way, will you call Junior Chamber of Commerce and give them my correct address? Tell Catherine and Dan I enjoyed their letter and the snapshots. If coffee is no longer rationed, could you send me a pound or two for Brunet’s, also a little tea if you can get it? I got a bottle of Segran’s V.O. while away for a box of cigars (International relatives). The British got a liquor ration each month and no cigars. We get lots of cigars and no liquor. It is the first I have had in ages and very good indeed.
I enjoyed my trip very much, although I was a little busy except for one day. The day I took off, I went to visit the two daughters and Brunet’s. They were staying in a small mountain summer resort near Algiers, Chorea, with their sister and her family. It was a beautiful place about 3000 feet above sea level. You could see for miles in three directions, across the wide valley, across the mountain range by the sea and out over the sea. They had a small chalet or cottage. The pace is right on top of the mountains inland. If we ever come over here I shall be sure to take you there. One night I went to the soldier’s Red Cross Theater to see a movie with some other officers. It was “The Cat People” – a crazy picture. Another night I went to the Officer’s Red Cross Club – a beautiful pace to see “Time to Kill”- a detective picture. One night three of my officers (two of them just now there) and myself were invited to the British mess for dinner by the British Lt. Col., in charge of a large installation, with whom I had some business. His officers were all very cordial and excellent fellows. We had a nice dinner, some good scotch and a fine evening. I stayed with Major Shepard in town. He was in my class in MIT and in ROTC there with no in Ord. I’ve seen him before down here and in England. I must say goodnight. I love you love and kisses.
Carlton